Sheffield Wednesday: Carvalhal targets long cup run

Dom Howson

Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal is determined to take his team on a long run in the FA Cup as they prepare for their first home fixture of 2016.

Owls will be seeking a third successive Hillsborough win when they entertain Fulham in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Given Carvalhal’s side have already beaten the Cottagers twice this season and tasted defeat just once in their own backyard, Wednesday will be strong favourites to prevail in the all-Championship tie.

Carvalhal, who led the Owls into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup earlier in the campaign, told The Star: “I don’t care if it is the Capital One Cup or FA Cup. It is the next game so we have a responsibility to defend the Wednesday colours.

“We have to be professional and we will do our best to do well in the competition.”

After losing out to promotion rivals Derby County in the race to sign Nick Blackman, the Owls continue to scour the transfer market for reinforcements. A central defender, a defensive midfielder and a versatile attacker are the positions that Wednesday are looking to strengthen.

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has been on the Owls’ radar since last summer. Wolves are also interested in his services.

Wednesday are also thought to be keeping close tabs on Bolton Wanderers forward Zach Clough.